Vitality capacity (VC) reflects a physiological state and is a determinant domain of intrinsic capacity but has so far remained mainly theoretical. This study validates the vitality capacity domains ‘energy and metabolism’ and ‘neuromuscular function’ and examines its link to locomotor capacity and quality of life (QoL). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed on the combined dataset from the Fatigue Resistance AMErsfoort study (FRAME, n = 1000) and the Fatigue Plot study (FATPLOT,n = 620). Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were subsequently performed on data from the AMersfoort COhort study on functional decline, Healthy aging and Frailty (AMCOHF,n = 367) and the BrUssels sTudy on The Early pRedictors of FraiLtY (BUTTERFLY,n = 491), to validate VC in both middle-aged and older adults. Linear hierarchical regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between VC, locomotor capacity, and QoL. EFA indicated a one-factor model and CFA validated this with good model fit in the dataset (BUTTERFLY) (Robust CFI; 0.960, SRMR: 0.040) and (AMCOHF) (Robust CFI; 0.942, SRMR: 0.055). This model validated maximal grip strength (GSmax), 30-s chair stand test (30CST), Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20) and Capacity to Perceived Vitality ratio physical (CPV-physical) to measure VC. Several assessments show a significant relationship with locomotor capacity and QoL. This study indicated that VC is a coherent domain and has a relationship with locomotor capacity and QoL.

Introduction: Frailty, characterized by a reduction in intrinsic capacity across multiple physiological systems, is a key concern in healthy aging. Insight in the trajectory of an individual’s functional ability and intrinsic reserve capacity in a relatively younger population of older adults is lacking. This study aims to investigate the early stages of frailty by tracking trajectories of physical indicators of intrinsic capacity before frailty becomes clinically evident. Methods: The AMersfoort COhort study on functional decline, Healthy aging and Frailty (AMCOHF) is a unique 10-year prospective cohort study evaluating the predictive value of longitudinal trajectories of physical parameters for frailty onset or robustness maintenance. An a-select community-dwelling robust population of Amersfoort (55–75 years) in the Netherlands will undergo baseline assessments for inclusion criteria and will be followed longitudinally every 2.5 years. Frailty status is assessed using the Fried phenotype, Rockwood frailty index, and Groningen frailty indicator. Testing procedures and questionnaire completion include physical performance tests in the domains: (1) musculoskeletal system, (2) articular system, (3) cardiorespiratory system, (4) sensory system, (5) immune system, and 6) uro-gynecological system. Study outcomes focus on intrinsic capacity, functional ability, explanatory data, and frailty. Statistical analyses evaluating the predictive capacity include logistic regression, confirmatory factor or latent class analysis, and structural equation modeling. Nonprobability convenience sampling recruits 2,078 robust participants, estimating a 1-year frailty incidence of 1.5%–6.0%. Ethical approval was obtained, and the trial is prospectively registered on Open Science Framework (DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/RMBQV). Conclusion: The AMCOHF study will contribute to knowledge about markers to predict an accelerated decline in intrinsic capacity in an early stage. This knowledge is important to deploy prevention strategies at an earlier stage in life then those currently undertaken, ultimately reducing healthcare costs and contributing to a healthy aging population.

Purpose: Accurate interpretation of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) requires reference values that account for sex, age, and body composition. Existing reference values often lack these distinctions or exclude older adults. This study aimed to establish sex- and age-specific reference values for absolute and relative (body mass-corrected and lean body mass-corrected) CRF parameters derived from cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in Dutch community-dwelling 55- to 75-year-old adults. Methods: Cross-sectional data from 611 participants of the AMCOHF study were analyzed. CRF was assessed via cycle ergometer CPET evaluating oxygen uptake (V̇O_2peak) and work rate (WR_peak) at peak exercise, oxygen uptake at the ventilatory anaerobic threshold (V̇O_2VAT), and oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES). Body mass and lean body mass were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Reference values stratified by sex and age were developed using generalized additive models. Prediction equations were generated using multiple linear regression. Correlations with V̇O_2peak assessed the usefulness of V̇O_2VAT and OUES as submaximal and effort-independent alternatives for CRF. Results: All CRF variables declined with age. V̇O_2peak (L/min) declined quasi-linearly (females: 1.3%/year; males: 2.5%/year). Significant sex differences were observed between all CRF variables (absolute and body mass-corrected values: p < 0.001; lean body mass-corrected values: p < 0.05). Significant correlations were found between V̇O_2peak and WR_peak (ρ = 0.90), V̇O_2VAT (ρ = 0.78), and OUES (ρ = 0.87). Conclusion: This study provides reference values for V̇O_2peak, WR_peak, V̇O_2VAT, and OUES in Dutch older adults aged 55–75 years during cycle ergometer CPET, offering a unique dataset for assessing CRF and monitoring intervention effects.

Low concentrations of elements in food can be measured with various techniques, mostly in small samples (mg). These techniques provide only reliable data when the element is distributed homogeneously in the material to be analysed either naturally or after a homogenisation procedure. When this is not the case or homogenisation fails, a technique should be applied that is able to measure in samples up to grams and even kilograms and regardless of the distribution of the element. An adaptation of neutron activation analysis (NAA), called large-sample NAA, has been developed and proven accurate and may be an attractive alternative in food research and mass balance studies. Like standard NAA, large-sample NAA can be used to measure both toxic and trace elements relevant for nutrition.

Although cycling has positive health effects, including improvement of cardiovascular fitness, it does not have a favourable effect on bone health. In professional cyclists, the bone mineral density (BMD) will actually have decreased at the end of an intensive season. As a professional cyclist's career progresses, there will be a further decrease in BMD particularly in the hip and lumbar spine. The forward leaning position, the repetitive movement at low intensity, and the fact that body weight is carried by the bicycle all contribute to non-stimulation of bone formation. The cyclists' low body weight, which is desirable for climbers in particular, and possibly their dietary pattern may exacerbate this negative effect. To reduce the risk of fractures both during and after a cycling career, it is desirable that more attention is paid to strengthening of the bones. The effectiveness of training programmes to strengthen the bones should be investigated in carefully designed research studies.

Background Wernicke encephalopathy can have different clinical outcomes. Although infections may precipitate the encephalopathy itself, it is unknown whether infections also modify the long-term outcome in patients developing Korsakoff syndrome. Objective To determine whether markers of infection, such as white blood cell (WBC) counts and absolute neutrophil counts in the Wernicke phase, are associated with cognitive outcomes in the end-stage Korsakoff syndrome. Method Retrospective, descriptive study of patients admitted to Slingedael Korsakoff Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Hospital discharge letters of patients with Wernicke encephalopathy were searched for relevant data on infections present upon hospital admission. Patients were selected for further analysis if data were available on WBC counts in the Wernicke phase and at least 1 of 6 predefined neuropsychological tests on follow-up. Results Infections were reported in 35 of 68 patients during the acute phase of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome—meningitis (1), pneumonia (14), urinary tract infections (9), acute abdominal infections (4), sepsis (5) empyema, (1) and infection “of unknown origin” (4). The neuropsychological test results showed significant lower scores on the Cambridge Cognitive Examination nonmemory section with increasing white blood cell counts (Spearman rank correlation, ρ = −0.34; 95% CI: −0.57 to −0.06; 44 patients) and on the “key search test” of the behavioral assessment of the dysexecutive syndrome with increasing absolute neutrophil counts (ρ= −0.85; 95% CI: −0.97 to −0.42; 9 patients). Conclusions Infections may be the presenting manifestation of thiamine deficiency. Patients with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome who suffered from an infection during the acute phase are at risk of worse neuropsychological outcomes on follow-up.